Chapt 4
Angie began gathering her books from under the counter. Her shift at the library was over and she was looking forward to some well-earned time off.
She slung her bag over her shoulders and walked out of the library just as someone was running in. They collided head-on and she felt herself fall painfully onto the floor, her bag slipping off.
"Oh sorry," she heard the other person say and looked up. It was Zell.
"Angie...?" he muttered.
"Oh...um...hi...Zell," she got up, and dusted off her skirt, keeping her head down.
Dammit, why did you fall like that, now he's gonna think you a fool!
"Sorry about that," he said, picking up her bag, "Are you okay?"
"I'm...f-fine," she blushed, "Um...why were...you in s-such a hur-ry?"
Hoping. Hoping. Please?
"Oh, um, I was just...looking for you," he stammered, going red in the face as well.
For me!?
"For me?"
"Um...yeah, me and a couple of my mates are going out to Balamb for a bit of fun. I was...just wondering if you'd...like to go..." he managed to say.
He asked me out!
"Um...sure! When?"
"Meet at the carpark in half an hour. We'll take a car there."
"Ok then, see you, "she smiled.
"Um, yes, see ya later."
She turned and walked towards the dormitories. Her heart was pounding at the rate of a million beats a second. Taking in a deep breath, she managed to remain calm but was desperately resisting the urge to do cartwheels through the hall.
HE ASKED ME OUT!!!!
She reached her room, and threw on a pair of long denim flares and a large orange shirt. Taking out her pigtails, she brushed her hair and pulled it up again into a high ponytail. She dabbed on some powder and lip gloss, stuffed her wallet into a large flowery shoulder bag, and looked at herself in the mirror.
"Guess I'm ready. Here I come!"
* * *
Quistis walked casually towards the harbour, trying to ease her mind of the recent tension. She was separated from the rest of the group, who were no where to be seen, half of them were too involved in their own little world to notice anyone gone.
She leant against the railing, the only object separating her from the ocean. She stared over the endless waters, into the horizon, relaxing in its deep blueness, breathing in the salty freshness of the sea, feeling the calm of the thrashing waves seep in...
"Quistis?"
She spun around at the sound of her name and found Keave standing behind her.
"Keave?" she replied, slightly surprised.
He moved over to stand beside her, and also looked into the ocean.
It was a while before either of them spoke.
"Do you like the sea?" Quistis asked softly.
"I've always loved the ocean. It's where I go to relax, to seek answers to my problems. When I'm here, I feel free."
Quistis nodded. She knew how he felt-she feels exactly the same way.
They stood in silence again for a while longer, listening to the waves crash onto the shore.
Once again, Quistis broke the silence.
"What's your past, Keave?"
He looked over at her awkwardly and she caught sight of his eyes. They were the dark brown she imagined, but they were also filled with strength, and just as mysterious as the rest of him.
"My past...is none of your business," he turned and walked off, leaving a strickened, open-mouthed Quistis staring after him.
* * *
Rinoa strolled through the calm streets of Balamb, her palm gently touching Squall's. The group has separated once they entered Balamb, and she and Squall had gone their own way. She entwined her fingers with Squall's, he turned and smiled at her.
Rinoa was well aware of where their relationship was heading, and she was happy about it. She has finally brought him out of his shell, and she was not about to let him go back in again.
She sighed blissfully. She was happy for her friends, they were all forming pairs now- Selphie and Irvine are perfect for each other, Zell is finally stepping into a relationship and she has noted Quistis's interest in the new member of their team. She knew that she, herself, was the burden of the whole group, ever since their venture in Esthar. They've tried to keep it quiet from her, but she still knew, nothing will escape the knowledge of Rinoa Heartily, not when she has sorceress powers. Somehow, she was going to prove to them, to everyone, that she was innocent, and will bring no harm to the world.
"Rinoa?" Squall's voice shook her abruptly out of her daze. He chuckled.
"What were you thinking about?"
She smiled flirtatiously, "You."
"Whatever..." Squall blushed.
Rinoa laughed, and snuggled into his arm and the twosome continued on their midday stroll.
"AHHHHH!!" a scream suddenly pierced through the air, closely followed by a plea for help.
Squall and Rinoa looked at each other, astonished, before running off in the direction of the yelp, clutching and adjusting their weapons.
They turned a tight corner, and nearly tripped over a small body lying at the mouth of the street. Fumbling, Squall flipped over the body, revealing a young girl of about 15, he felt for her pulse. Rinoa suddenly gave a stifled gasp, and pointed to a brown part of an object sticking out from beneath the body. Squall moved the girl away, and stared into the two glimmering glassy eyes of a worn-out teddy bear.
Author's Notes: Sorry that this chapter is so much shorter, but my mind is really full at the moment, and I can't think right anymore. Next chapter will be coming up soon!!